Connector System For Releasably Connecting Fluid Conduits

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, for example medical tubing, and methods of making and using such a connector system, whereby the connector system includes a female coupler having a first passageway, a male coupler having a second passageway, a catch movably coupled to the female coupler, and a catch-receiving element coupled to the male coupler. The connector system further includes a release element movably coupled to the female coupler, whereby travel of the release element along or over a female coupler outer surface of the female coupler disengages the catch from the catch-receiving element to achieve a disconnected condition of the connector system. Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, whereby the connector system includes at least one valve biased by a valve-biasing member disposed external to or outside of the fluid flow path.

I. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be toprovide a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, forexample medical tubing, and methods of making and using such a connectorsystem, whereby the connector system includes a female coupler having afirst passageway, a male coupler having a second passageway, a catchmovably coupled to the female coupler, and a catch-receiving elementcoupled to the male coupler. Upon releasable matable axial coupling ofthe female and male couplers, the catch engages with the catch-receivingelement to fix an axial position of the female coupler in relation tothe male coupler, thereby achieving a connected condition of theconnector system in which the first and second passageways dispose influidic communication to provide a fluid flow path. The connector systemfurther includes a release element movably coupled to the femalecoupler, whereby travel of the release element along or over a femalecoupler outer surface of the female coupler disengages the catch fromthe catch-receiving element to achieve a disconnected condition of theconnector system.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto provide the connector system as described above, further including atleast one valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through a passageway,whereby the valve is biased by a valve-biasing member disposed externalto or outside of the passageway and accordingly, external to or outsideof the fluid flow path when the female and male couplers releasablymatably couple to achieve the connected condition of the connectorsystem.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

II. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodimentof the connector system.

FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the particular embodiment ofthe connector system shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A through FIG. 4G.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of theconnector system, whereby first and male couplers are releasably matablyengaged.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the particular embodiment of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the particular embodiment of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E is a first end view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2F is a second end view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 2E, whereby first and male couplers arereleasably matably engaged.

FIG. 2H is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 2E, whereby first and male couplers arein adjacent axial relation but are not releasably matably engaged.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a femalecoupler of the connector system.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the female coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a top view of the female coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a bottom view of the female coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E is a first end view of the female coupler of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 3 A.

FIG. 3F is a second end view of the female coupler of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3G is a cross-sectional view of the female coupler of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 3E.

FIG. 3H is a cross-sectional view of the female coupler of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3I is a cross-sectional view of the female coupler of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 3H.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a malecoupler of the connector system.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the male coupler of the connector system shownin FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a top view of the male coupler of the connector system shownin FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a bottom view of the male coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E is a first end view of the male coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4F is a second end view of the male coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4G is a cross-sectional view of the male coupler of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 4E.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of theconnector system, whereby first and male couplers are releasably matablyengaged.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the particular embodiment of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a top view of the particular embodiment of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E is a first end view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5F is a second end view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5G is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 5C, whereby first and male couplers arereleasably matably engaged.

FIG. 5H is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 5C, whereby first and male couplers arein adjacent axial relation but are not releasably matably engaged.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a femalecoupler of the connector system.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the female coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a top view of the female coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D is a bottom view of the female coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6E is a first end view of the female coupler of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6F is a second end view of the female coupler of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6G is a cross-sectional view of the female coupler of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 6C.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a malecoupler of the connector system.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the male coupler of the connector system shownin FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a top view of the male coupler of the connector system shownin FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is a bottom view of the male coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E is a first end view of the male coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7F is a second end view of the male coupler of the connector systemshown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7G is a cross-sectional view of the male coupler of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 7C.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a release element of the connectorsystem, whereby the release element is depicted as a pair of arrows toillustrate travel of the release element along or over a female couplerouter surface which can be achieved by the application of forcesdirected along or over the female coupler outer surface.

FIG. 8B is a side view of the release element of the connector systemshown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a first end view of the release element of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is a second end view of the release element of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a release element of the connectorsystem, whereby the release element is depicted as an arrow toillustrate circumferential travel of the release element about a femalecoupler outer surface which can be achieved by the application of forcesdirected circumferentially along or over the female coupler outersurface.

FIG. 9B is a side view of the release element of the connector systemshown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a first end view of the release element of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9D is a second end view of the release element of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a release element of the connectorsystem, whereby the release element is depicted as an arrow toillustrate circumferential travel of the release element about a femalecoupler outer surface which can be achieved by the application of forcesdirected circumferentially along or over the female coupler outersurface.

FIG. 10B is a cross sectional view of the release element of theconnector system shown in FIG. 10A, whereby a catch disposes in anopening first portion defined by a release element inner surface firstportion to provide a release element first position.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a release element of the connectorsystem, whereby the release element is depicted as an arrow toillustrate circumferential travel of the release element about a femalecoupler outer surface which can be achieved by the application of forcesdirected circumferentially along or over the female coupler outersurface.

FIG. 11B is a cross sectional view of the release element of theconnector system shown in FIG. 11A, whereby a catch disposes in anopening second portion defined by a release element inner surface secondportion to provide a release element second position.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a release element of the connectorsystem, whereby the release element is depicted as an arrow toillustrate helical travel of the release element about a female couplerouter surface which can be achieved by the application of forcesdirected helically along or over the female coupler outer surface.

FIG. 12B is a side view of the release element of the connector systemshown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C is a first end view of the release element of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12D is a second end view of the release element of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of avalve-biasing member configured as a resiliently flexible memberdisposed in axially-adjacent relation to an angled surface, whereby theresiliently flexible member is in a non-flexed condition.

FIG. 13B is a side view of the particular embodiment of thevalve-biasing member shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C is a top view of the particular embodiment of the valve-biasingmember shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13D is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of thevalve-biasing member shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13E is a first end view of the particular embodiment of thevalve-biasing member shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13F is a second end view of the particular embodiment of thevalve-biasing member shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13G is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of thevalve-biasing member shown in FIG. 13E.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of avalve-biasing member configured as a resiliently flexible memberdisposed in axially-adjacent relation to an angled surface, whereby theresiliently flexible member is in a flexed condition.

FIG. 14B is a side view of the particular embodiment of thevalve-biasing member shown in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C is a top view of the particular embodiment of the valve-biasingmember shown in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14D is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of thevalve-biasing member shown in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14E is a first end view of the particular embodiment of thevalve-biasing member shown in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14F is a second end view of the particular embodiment of thevalve-biasing member shown in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14G is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of thevalve-biasing member shown in FIG. 14E.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of theconnector system including a J-loop coupled to a connector system firstend, whereby first and male couplers of the connector system arereleasably matably engaged.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 15A, but whereby the first and malecouplers are in adjacent axial relation but are not releasably matablyengaged.

III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1A, which illustrates a method of usinga particular embodiment of a connector system (1) for releasablyconnecting together tubes (2), such as medical tubing employed in abio-medical environment. Advantageously, the connector system (1) can berelatively easily and securely connected, and yet relatively easilyintentionally disconnected.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1B through FIG. 7F, the connector system(1) includes a female coupler (3) having a first passageway (4) and amale coupler (5) having a second passageway (6). Upon releasable matableaxial (or longitudinal) coupling of the female and male couplers (3)(5)(or, stated more concisely, upon connection of the female and malecouplers (3)(5)), a connected condition (7) of the connector system (1)is achieved, disposing the first and second passageways (4)(6) influidic communication to provide a fluid flow path (8).

For the purposes of the present invention, a longitudinal direction canconsidered parallel to the first passageway (4), the second passageway(6), and/or the fluid flow path (8).

As to particular embodiments, the connector system (1) can furtherinclude a catch (9) movably coupled to the female coupler (3) and acatch-receiving element (10) coupled to the male coupler (5). Uponconnection of the female and male couplers (3)(5), the catch (9) engageswith the catch-receiving element (10) to fix an axial position of thefemale coupler (3) in relation to the male coupler (5), therebyachieving the connected condition (7) of the connector system (1).

As to particular embodiments, the connector system (1) can furtherinclude a release element (11) movably coupled to the female coupler(3), whereby travel of the release element (11) along or over a femalecoupler outer surface (12) of the female coupler (3) disengages thecatch (9) from the catch-receiving element (10) to achieve adisconnected condition (13) of the connector system (1).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “catch” means arestraint which, upon matable engagement with a catch-receiving element(10), can function to partially or completely restrain travel of anassociated component, such as a female coupler (3).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “catch-receivingelement” means a restraint which, upon matable engagement with a catch(9), can function to partially or completely restrain travel of anassociated component, such as a male coupler (5).

As to particular embodiments, the connector system (1) can be configuredto provide a connection indicium upon successful releasable matableaxial coupling of the female and male couplers (3)(5) to achieve theconnected condition (7), whereby the connection indicium can be avisible indicium, an audible indicium, a tactile indicium, or the like,or combinations thereof.

Release Element

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, and FIG. 3G through FIG.3I, as to particular embodiments, the release element (11) can beconfigured as a cam and the catch (9) can function as a follower,whereby the release element (11) can transform input motion intoreciprocating motion of the catch (9).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “cam” means amovable element in a mechanical linkage, whereby the cam can have anirregular periphery and may be useful in transforming motion, forexample transforming motion in a first direction into motion in a seconddirection.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “follower” means amovable element in a mechanical linkage, whereby movement of thefollower results from movement of the cam.

For example, linear or sliding motion of the release element (11) alongthe female coupler outer surface (12) can be transformed into inward oroutward motion of the catch (9) such that the catch (9) can move eitherinwardly toward the interior of the female coupler (3) or outwardly awayfrom the interior of the female coupler (3).

The release element (11) can be biased by a release element-biasingmember (14) which biases the release element (11) toward a releaseelement first position (15), as shown in the examples of FIG. 2G andFIG. 3G through FIG. 3I.

As to particular embodiments, when in the release element first position(15), the release element (11) can bias the catch (9) inwardly towardthe interior of the female coupler (3) to engage the catch (9) with thecatch-receiving element (10) and achieve the connected condition (7) ofthe connector system (1).

As but one illustrative example, the release element-biasing member (14)can be configured as a resiliently compressible member (16), such as aspring (for example, a coil spring), whereby when the resilientlycompressible member (16) disposes in a non-compressed condition (17),which is the normal biased condition, the release element (11) disposesin the release element first position (15). However, the releaseelement-biasing member (14) need not be limited to this particularconfiguration.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2H, upon forcible urging, theresiliently compressible member (16) can be compressed toward acompressed condition (18), disposing the release element (11) in arelease element second position (19), allowing the catch (9) tooutwardly move away from the interior of the female coupler (3) anddisengage with the catch-receiving element (10) to achieve thedisconnected condition (13) of the connector system (1).

Travel of the release element (11) along or over the female couplerouter surface (12) can be achieved by the application of forces directedalong or over the female coupler outer surface (12), such as forcesdirected at an angle of between 0° to about ±45° in relation to thefemale coupler outer surface (12). This is in stark contrast toconventional “quick release” couplers which typically have a releaseelement configured to travel upon the application of forces directedalong an axis generally normal (or generally perpendicular) to thecoupler outer surface, whereby one illustrative example of this type ofrelease element is a pushbutton release element or a depressible releaseelement. The instant release element (11) is advantageous over theconventional art, as only forces directed at an angle of between 0° toabout ±45° in relation to the female coupler outer surface (12) candisengage the catch (9) from within the catch-receiving element (10) toachieve the disconnected condition (13) of the connector system (1),thus precluding inadvertent disconnecting by forces unintentionallyapplied at an angle of between about ±45° to about 90° in relation tothe female coupler outer surface (12).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2A through FIG. 3I and FIG. 8A throughFIG. 8D, as to particular embodiments, travel of the release element(11), which can forcibly urge the resiliently compressible member (16)toward the compressed condition (18), can be longitudinal travel alongthe female coupler outer surface (12). As but one illustrative example,the longitudinal travel can be between female coupler first and secondends (20)(21).

As to particular embodiments, the longitudinal travel can be slidingtravel along the female coupler outer surface (12). Further, as toparticular embodiments, the longitudinal travel can be linear orgenerally parallel to the female coupler outer surface (12), having anangle of about 0° in relation to the female coupler outer surface (12).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 9A through FIG. 12D, as to otherparticular embodiments, travel of the release element (11), which canforcibly urge a resiliently compressible member (16) toward a compressedcondition (18), can be circumferential travel about the female couplerouter surface (12).

As to particular embodiments, the circumferential travel can be rotatingtravel about the female coupler outer surface (12), whereby thecircumferential travel can be any amount of travel about thecircumference of the female coupler outer surface (12), whetherpartially or completely about the circumference of the female couplerouter surface (12). Further, as to particular embodiments, thecircumferential travel can be generally parallel to the female couplerouter surface (12).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 12A through FIG. 12D, as to particularembodiments, the circumferential travel can be helical travel about thefemale coupler outer surface (12).

Embodiment of Catch and Catch-Receiving Element

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, FIG. 3G, FIG. 3H, and FIG.4G, as to particular embodiments, the catch (9) can be configured aspherical element, such as a ball (22), and the catch-receiving element(10) can be configured as a retention groove (23) configured to receivea portion or an entirety of the ball (22). However, the catch (9) andcatch-receiving element (10) need not be limited to these particularconfigurations and can be configured as any matable catch (9) andcatch-receiving element (10) as would be known to one of ordinary skillin the art.

The ball (22) can be movably coupled to the female coupler (3) proximatethe female coupler outer surface (12). For example, the ball (22) can bemovably disposed within an opening (24) defined by the female couplerouter surface (12) (as shown in the example of FIG. 1B), whereby theopening (24) can be sufficiently configured to allow movement of theball (22) through the opening (24) and inwardly toward the interior ofthe female coupler (3) or outwardly away from the interior of the femalecoupler (3). Further, the ball (22) can be movably coupled to the femalecoupler (3) beneath the release element (11).

The retention groove (23) can be coupled to the male coupler (5)proximate a male coupler matable end (25) which is matably receivedwithin a female coupler matable end (26) upon releasable matable axialcoupling of the female and male couplers (3)(5) to provide the connectedcondition (7) of the connector system (1). For example, the retentiongroove (23) can be disposed within a male coupler outer surface (27)proximate the male coupler matable end (25).

Just as engagement of the catch (9) with the catch-receiving element(10) can fix an axial position of the female coupler (3) in relation tothe male coupler (5), receipt of the ball (22) within the retentiongroove (23) correspondingly fixes an axial position of the femalecoupler (3) in relation to the male coupler (5) to achieve the connectedcondition (7) of the connector system (1).

Inward movement of the ball (22) can facilitate engagement of the ball(22) within the retention groove (23) upon matable reception of the malecoupler matable end (25) within the female coupler matable end (26).

Conversely, outward movement of the ball (22) can facilitatedisengagement of the ball (22) from within the retention groove (23),thereby allowing the female and male couplers (3)(5) to disconnect byaxial movement away from one another.

Movement of the ball (22) inward and outward and correspondingly, intoand out of the retention groove (23), can be controlled, at least inpart, by the release element (11), whereby the release element (11) canfunction as a cam and the ball (22) can function as a follower (asgenerally described above). Accordingly, linear or sliding motion of therelease element (11) along the female coupler outer surface (12) can betransformed into inward or outward movement of the ball (9), causing theball (9) to move either inwardly toward the retention groove (23) oroutwardly away from the retention groove (23).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, and FIG. 3G, a releaseelement inner surface (28), which disposes proximate (or adjacent) thefemale coupler outer surface (12), can provide a cam surface (29) havinga ball locking surface (30) and a ball unlocking surface (31).

The ball locking surface (30) downwardly extends toward the femalecoupler outer surface (12) a greater distance than the ball unlockingsurface (31), thereby disposing the ball locking surface (30) closer tothe female coupler outer surface (12) than the ball unlocking surface(31). Said another way, the ball unlocking surface (31) upwardly extendsaway from the female coupler outer surface (12) a greater distance thanthe ball locking surface (30), thereby disposing the ball unlockingsurface (31) farther from the female coupler outer surface (12) than theball locking surface (30).

Correspondingly, movement of the cam surface (29) over the ball (22) toalign (or contact) the ball locking surface (30) with the ball (22)biases the ball (22) inwardly and toward engagement within the retentiongroove (23) to achieve the connected condition (7) of the connectorsystem (1). Conversely, movement of the cam surface (29) over the ball(22) to align (or contact) the ball unlocking surface (31) with the ball(22) permits the ball (22) to outwardly move away from the retentiongroove (23), thereby allowing the ball (22) to disengage from within theretention groove (23).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G and FIG. 3G through FIG. 3I, therelease element-biasing member (14), for example a resilientlycompressible member (16), can bias the release element (11) toward arelease element first position (15) when in a non-compressed condition(17). When in the release element first position (15), the ball lockingsurface (30) aligns with (or contacts) the ball (22) and correspondinglybiases the ball (22) inwardly and toward engagement within the retentiongroove (23) to achieve the connected condition (7) of the connectorsystem

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2H, upon forcible urging, theresiliently compressible member (16) can be compressed toward acompressed condition (18), disposing the release element (11) in arelease element second position (19) in which the ball unlocking surface(31) aligns with (or contacts) the ball (22), allowing the ball (22) tooutwardly move away from the retention groove (23) to achieve thedisconnected condition (13) of the connector system (1).

First Valve

As to particular embodiments, the connector system (1) can furtherinclude at least one conduit and at least one valve operable tointerrupt fluid flow through the conduit.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, FIG. 3G, FIG. 3I, FIG. 5G,FIG. 5H, and FIG. 6G, the female coupler (3) can include a first conduit(32) defining a first passageway (4) (which as to particularembodiments, may include a fixed or removable filter) and a first valve(33) operable to interrupt fluid flow through the first passageway (4).The first valve (33) can be movable within a first valve seat (34) tosealably occlude a first port (35) in fluid communication with the firstpassageway (4), thereby providing a first passageway closed condition(36) in which fluid flow through the first port (35) and accordingly,through the first passageway (4), is interrupted.

The first valve (33) can be biased by a first valve-biasing member (37)which biases the first valve (33) toward a first valve closed position(38) in which the first valve (33) sealably occludes the first port(35), for example by sealably overlaying the first port (35), to providethe first passageway closed condition (36).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, FIG. 3G, and FIG. 3I, asbut one illustrative example, the first valve-biasing member (37) can beconfigured as a resiliently compressible member (16), such as a spring;however, the first valve-biasing member (37) need not be limited to thisparticular configuration.

When in a non-compressed condition (17), which is the normal biasedcondition, the resiliently compressible member (16) can bias the firstvalve (33) toward the first valve closed position (38) in which thefirst valve (33) sealably occludes the first port (35) to provide thefirst passageway closed condition (36) (as shown in the examples of FIG.2H, FIG. 3G, and FIG. 31 ).

Upon forcible urging, the resiliently compressible member (16) can becompressed toward a compressed condition (18), allowing the first valve(33) to travel within the first valve seat (34) away from the first port(35) toward a first valve open position (39), thus providing a firstpassageway open condition (40) permitting fluid flow through the firstport (35) and accordingly, through the first passageway (4) (as shown inthe example of FIG. 2G).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, the resiliently compressible member(16) can be compressed toward the compressed condition (18) uponforcible urging resulting from connection of the female and malecouplers (3)(5), thus allowing the first valve (33) to travel within thefirst valve seat (34) away from the first port (35) toward the firstvalve open position (39), thus providing the first passageway opencondition (40) which permits fluid flow through the first port (35) andaccordingly, through the first passageway (4). Further, upon achievementof the connected condition (7) of the connector system (1), the firstpassageway (4) can fluidicly communicate with the second passageway (6)of the male coupler (5) to provide the fluid flow path (8) through whichfluid can flow between connector system first and second ends (41)(42).

In contrast to conventional “quick release” couplers, the instant firstvalve-biasing member (37) is disposed external to or outside of thefirst passageway (4) and accordingly, external to or outside of thefluid flow path (8) when the female and male couplers (3)(5) connect toachieve the connected condition (7) of the connector system (1).Correspondingly, fluid flowing within the fluid flow path (8) does notcontact the resiliently compressible member (16), which may beadvantageous for a plurality of reasons, including elimination of apotential substrate for biofilm growth within the fluid flow path (8)and elimination of a physical impediment to fluid flow within the fluidflow path (8).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, FIG. 3G, and FIG. 3I, as afirst illustrative example, the first valve (33) can be configured totelescopingly engage with the first conduit (32) such that the firstvalve (33) telescopingly disposes about the first conduit (32) and canlongitudinally travel over the first conduit (32) or longitudinallyslide over the first conduit (32).

With this configuration, a first valve inner surface (43) of the firstvalve (33) can dispose adjacent a first conduit outer surface (44) ofthe first conduit (32), whereby a fluid-tight seal can exist between thefirst valve inner surface (43) and the first conduit outer surface (44).As to particular embodiments, an o-ring (45) can be coupled to the firstconduit outer surface (44), for example the o-ring (45) can be at leastpartially recessed within the first conduit outer surface (44), wherebywhen overlaid by the first valve inner surface (43), the o-ring (45) canfunction to provide the fluid-tight seal between the first valve innersurface (43) and the first conduit outer surface (44).

The first valve (33) can either partially or entirely surround a portionof the first conduit (32) proximate (or adjacent) the first port (35),depending upon the configuration of the first conduit (32) and the firstport (35). As shown in the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2G,FIG. 2H, FIG. 3G, and FIG. 3I, the first valve (33) can entirelysurround a portion of the first conduit (32) proximate the first port(35) such that the first valve (33) and that portion of the firstconduit (32) are coaxial. Thus, the first valve (33) and the portion ofthe first conduit (32) proximate the first port (35) can be disposed inconcentric relation.

With this configuration, the first conduit (32) and the first valve (33)can together provide a portion of the first passageway (4). Morespecifically, a first conduit inner surface (46) and the first valveinner surface (43) can define a portion of the first passageway (4). Asto particular embodiments, the first conduit inner surface (46) and thefirst valve inner surface (43) can define a first passageway (4) whichis cylindrical or generally cylindrical, having a circular or generallycircular cross section (as shown in the example of FIG. 3F).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, FIG. 3G, and FIG. 3I, asto particular embodiments, a portion of the first conduit outer surface(44) can provide a first valve seat (34) in which the first valve (33)can move and specifically, in which the first valve (33) canlongitudinally travel over the first conduit (32).

The first valve (33) can travel within the first valve seat (34) in afirst direction (47) to a first valve closed position (38) in which thefirst valve (33) sealably occlude the first port (35) in fluidcommunication with the first passageway (4) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 2H, FIG. 3G, and FIG. 3I), thereby providing the first passagewayclosed condition (36) in which fluid flow through the first port (35)and accordingly, through the first passageway (4), is interrupted.

When in the first valve closed position (38), the first valve (33) cansealably engage with a first seal assembly (48) which is fixedly coupledto the first conduit (32) in axially spaced apart relation. For example,one or more spacers (49) can fixedly couple the first seal assembly (48)to the first conduit (32) to dispose the first seal assembly (48) inspaced apart relation to the first conduit (32) or to dispose the firstseal assembly (48) a distance from the first conduit (32). To providethe first passageway closed condition (36), the first valve (33) cantravel within the first valve seat (34) across the distance to sealablyengage with the first seal assembly (48) and sealably occlude the firstport (35) to interrupt fluid flow through the first passageway (4).

As to particular embodiments, the first conduit (32) and the first sealassembly (48) can be formed as a one-piece construct; however, theinvention need not be so limited. As to particular embodiments, thefirst conduit (32), one or more spacers (49), and the first sealassembly (48) can be formed as a one-piece construct; however, theinvention need not be so limited.

As to particular embodiments, the first seal assembly (48) can includean o-ring (45) coupled to an o-ring support (50), for example the o-ring(45) can be at least partially recessed within the o-ring support (50),whereby when overlaid by the first valve inner surface (43), the o-ring(45) can function to provide a fluid-tight seal between the first valveinner surface (43) and the first seal assembly (48).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, FIG. 3G, and FIG. 3I, thefirst valve (33) can be biased by a first valve-biasing member (37)which biases the first valve (33) toward the first seal assembly (48)and correspondingly, toward the first valve closed position (38) toprovide the first passageway closed condition (36).

As to particular embodiments, the first valve-biasing member (37) can beconfigured as a resiliently compressible member (16), such as a springand for example, a coil spring or a helical spring (51). As toparticular embodiments, the helical spring (51) can be disposed about aportion of the first valve (33) to entirely surround that portion of thefirst valve (33) such that the helical spring (51) and the first valve(33) are coaxial. Thus, the helical spring (51) and the first valve (33)can be disposed in concentric relation.

To reiterate, in contrast to conventional “quick release” couplers, theinstant helical spring (51) is disposed external to or outside of thefirst passageway (4) and accordingly, external to or outside of thefluid flow path (8) when the female and male couplers (3)(5) connect toachieve the connected condition (7) of the connector system (1).Correspondingly, fluid flowing within the fluid flow path (8) does notcontact the helical spring (51), which may be advantageous for aplurality of reasons, including elimination of a potential substrate forbiofilm growth within the fluid flow path (8) and elimination of aphysical impediment to fluid flow within the fluid flow path (8).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, FIG. 3G, and FIG. 3I, thehelical spring (51) can be disposed between a pair of projecting ribs(52)(53). For example, a helical spring first end (54) can bear againsta first rib (52) outwardly extending from the first conduit outersurface (44) and an opposing helical spring second end (55) can bearagainst a second rib (53) outwardly extending from a first valve outersurface (56).

When in a non-compressed condition (17), which is the normal biasedcondition, the helical spring (51) can bias the first valve (33) towardsealable engagement with the first seal assembly (48) andcorrespondingly toward the first valve closed position (38) in which thefirst valve (33) sealably occludes the first port (35) to provide thefirst passageway closed condition (36).

Upon forcible urging in a second direction (57) which opposes the firstdirection (47), the helical spring (51) can be compressed toward acompressed condition (18), allowing the first valve (33) to travelwithin the first valve seat (34) away from the first seal assembly (48)and away from the first port (35) toward a first valve open position(39), thus providing a first passageway open condition (40) permittingfluid flow through the first port (35) and accordingly, through thefirst passageway (4) (as shown in the example of FIG. 2G).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, the helical spring (51) can becompressed toward the compressed condition (18) upon forcible urgingresulting from connection of the female and male couplers (3)(5), thusallowing the first valve (33) to travel within the first valve seat (34)away from the first seal assembly (48) and away from the first port (35)toward the first valve open position (39), thus providing a firstpassageway open condition (40) permitting fluid flow through the firstport (35) and accordingly, through the first passageway (4). Further,upon achievement of the connected condition (7) of the connector system(1), the first passageway (4) can fluidicly communicate with the secondpassageway (6) of the male coupler (5) to provide the fluid flow path(8) through which fluid can flow between the connector system first andsecond ends (41)(42).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5G, FIG. 5H, FIG. 6G, and FIG. 13Athrough FIG. 14G, as another illustrative example, the firstvalve-biasing member (37) can be configured as a resiliently flexiblemember (58); however, the first valve-biasing member (37) need not belimited to this particular configuration.

When in a non-flexed condition (59) (as shown in the examples of FIG.13A through FIG. 13G), the resiliently flexible member (58) can bias thefirst valve (33) toward the first valve closed position (38) in whichthe first valve (33) sealably occludes the first port (35) (as shown inthe examples of FIG. 5H and FIG. 6G).

Upon forcible urging, the resiliently flexible member (58) can be flexedtoward a flexed condition (60) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 14Athrough FIG. 14G), allowing the first valve (33) to travel within thefirst valve seat (34) toward a first valve open position (39) away fromthe first port (35), thereby permitting fluid flow through the firstport (35) and accordingly, through the first passageway (4) to provide afirst passageway open condition (40) (as shown in the example of FIG.5G).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5G, the resiliently flexible member (58)can be flexed toward the flexed condition (60) upon forcible urgingresulting from connection of the female and male couplers (3)(5), thusallowing the first valve (33) to travel within the first valve seat (34)toward the first valve open position (39) away from the first port (35),thereby permitting fluid flow through the first port (35) andaccordingly, through the first passageway (4) to provide the firstpassageway open condition (40). Further, upon achievement of theconnected condition (7) of the connector system (1), the firstpassageway (4) can fluidicly communicate with the second passageway (6)of the male coupler (5) to provide the fluid flow path (8) through whichfluid can flow between the connector system first and second ends(41)(42).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 13A through FIG. 14G, as to particularembodiments, the resiliently flexible member (58) can be configured as aplurality of resiliently flexible members (58) which dispose incircumferentially spaced-apart relation to define an internal space(61). Additionally, an angled surface (62) can be disposed inaxially-adjacent relation to the plurality of resiliently flexiblemembers (58).

Upon forcible urging resulting from connection of the female and malecouplers (3)(5), the plurality of resiliently flexible members (58) moveaxially toward the angled surface (62), whereby the angled surface (62)can be received within the internal space (61) while forcibly urging theplurality of resiliently flexible members (58) to flex about the angledsurface (62) toward the flexed condition (60) (as shown in the examplesof FIG. 14A through FIG. 14G). Correspondingly, the first valve (33)travels within the first valve seat (34) toward the first valve openposition (39) away from the first port (35), thereby permitting fluidflow through the first port (35) and accordingly, through the firstpassageway (4) to provide the first passageway open condition (40).

Upon uncoupling of the female and male couplers (3)(5), the plurality ofresiliently flexible members (58) are biased toward the non-flexedcondition (59) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 13A through FIG. 13G),biasing the first valve (33) toward the first valve closed position (38)in which the first valve (33) sealably occludes the first port (35).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 13A through FIG. 14G, as to particularembodiments, the resiliently flexible member (58) and the first valve(33) can be formed as a one-piece construct; however, the invention neednot be so limited.

Second Valve

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, FIG. 4G, FIG. 5G, FIG. 5H,and FIG. 7G, the male coupler (5) can include a second conduit (63)defining a second passageway (6) (which as to particular embodiments,may include a fixed or removable filter) and a second valve (64)operable to interrupt fluid flow through the second passageway (6).

The second valve (64) can be movable within a second valve seat (65) tosealably occlude a second port (66) in fluid communication with thesecond passageway (6), thereby providing a second passageway closedcondition (67) in which fluid flow through the second port (66) andaccordingly, through the second passageway (6), is interrupted.

The second valve (64) can be biased by a second valve-biasing member(68) which biases the second valve (64) toward a second valve closedposition (69) in which the second valve (64) sealably occludes thesecond port (66), for example by sealably overlaying the second port(66), to provide the second passageway closed condition (67).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, and FIG. 4G, as but oneillustrative example, the second valve-biasing member (68) can beconfigured as a resiliently compressible member (16), such as a spring;however, the second valve-biasing member (68) need not be limited tothis particular configuration.

When in a non-compressed condition (17), which is the normal biasedcondition, the resiliently compressible member (16) can bias the secondvalve (64) toward the second valve closed position (69) in which thesecond valve (64) sealably occludes the second port (66) to provide thesecond passageway closed condition (67) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 2H and FIG. 4G).

Upon forcible urging, the resiliently compressible member (16) can becompressed toward a compressed condition (18), allowing the second valve(64) to travel within the second valve seat (65) away from the secondport (66) toward a second valve open position (70), thus providing asecond passageway open condition (71) permitting fluid flow through thesecond port (66) and accordingly, through the second passageway (6) (asshown in the example of FIG. 2G).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, the resiliently compressible member(16) can be compressed toward the compressed condition (18) uponforcible urging resulting from connection of the female and malecouplers (3)(5), thus allowing the second valve (64) to travel withinthe second valve seat (65) away from the second port (66) toward thesecond valve open position (70), thus providing a second passageway opencondition (71) which permits fluid flow through the second port (66) andaccordingly, through the second passageway (6). Further, uponachievement of the connected condition (7) of the connector system (1),the first passageway (4) of the female coupler (3) can fluidiclycommunicate with the second passageway (6) to provide the fluid flowpath (8) through which fluid can flow between the connector system firstand second ends (41)(42).

In contrast to conventional “quick release” couplers, the instant secondvalve-biasing member (68) is disposed external to or outside of thesecond passageway (6) and accordingly, external to or outside of thefluid flow path (8) when the female and male couplers (3)(5) connect toachieve the connected condition (7) of the connector system (1).Correspondingly, fluid flowing within the fluid flow path (8) does notcontact the resiliently compressible member (16), which may beadvantageous for a plurality of reasons, including elimination of apotential substrate for biofilm growth within the fluid flow path (8)and elimination of a physical impediment to fluid flow within the fluidflow path (8).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, and FIG. 4G, as a firstillustrative example, the second valve (64) can be provided by thesecond conduit (63) which can longitudinally travel or longitudinallyslide within the second valve seat (65).

The second valve seat (65) can be configured to telescopingly engagewith the second conduit (63) such that the second valve seat (65)telescopingly disposes about the second conduit (63) to allowlongitudinal travel of the second conduit (63) within the second valveseat (65).

With this configuration, a second valve seat inner surface (72) of thesecond valve seat (65) can dispose adjacent a second conduit outersurface (73) of the second conduit (63), whereby a fluid-tight seal canexist between the second valve seat inner surface (72) and the secondconduit outer surface (73). As to particular embodiments, an o-ring (45)can be coupled to the second conduit outer surface (73), for example theo-ring (45) can be at least partially recessed within the second conduitouter surface (73), whereby when overlaid by the second valve seat innersurface (72), the o-ring (45) can function to provide a fluid-tight sealbetween the second valve seat inner surface (72) and the second conduitouter surface (73).

The second valve seat (65) can either partially or entirely surround aportion of the second conduit (63) proximate (or adjacent) the secondport (66), depending upon the configuration of the second conduit (63)and the second port (66). As shown in the particular embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, and FIG. 4G, the second valve seat (65)can entirely surround a portion of the second conduit (63) proximate thesecond port (66) such that the second valve seat (65) and that portionof the second conduit (63) are coaxial. Thus, the second valve seat (65)and the portion of the second conduit (63) proximate the second port(66) can be disposed in concentric relation.

With this configuration, the second conduit (63) and the second valveseat (65) can together provide a portion of the second passageway (6).More specifically, a second conduit inner surface (74) and the secondvalve seat inner surface (72) can define a portion of the secondpassageway (6). As to particular embodiments, the second conduit innersurface (74) and the second valve seat inner surface (72) can define asecond passageway (6) which is cylindrical or generally cylindrical,having a circular or generally circular cross section (as shown in theexample of FIG. 4E).

The second valve (64) can travel within the second valve seat (65) in afirst direction (47) to a second valve closed position (69) in which thesecond conduit (63) sealably occludes the second port (66) in fluidcommunication with the second passageway (6), thereby providing a secondpassageway closed condition (67) in which fluid flow through the secondport (66) and accordingly, through the second passageway (6), isinterrupted.

When in the second valve closed position (69), a second seal assembly(75) which is fixedly coupled to the second conduit (63) in axiallyspaced apart relation via one or more spacers (49) can sealably engagewith an engagement surface (76) provided by an inwardly tapering portionof the second valve seat inner surface (72), thus providing the secondpassageway closed condition (67) in which the second port (66) issealably occluded to interrupt fluid flow through the second passageway(6).

As to particular embodiments, the second conduit (63) and the secondseal assembly (75) can be formed as a one-piece construct; however, theinvention need not be so limited. As to particular embodiments, thesecond conduit (63), one or more spacers (49), and the second sealassembly (75) can be formed as a one-piece construct; however, theinvention need not be so limited.

As to particular embodiments, the second seal assembly (75) can includean o-ring (45) coupled to an o-ring support (50), for example the o-ring(45) can be at least partially recessed within the o-ring support (50),whereby when overlaid by the engagement surface (76), the o-ring canfunction to provide the fluid-tight seal between the engagement surface(76) and the second seal assembly (75).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, and FIG. 4G, the secondconduit (63) can be biased by a second valve-biasing member (68) whichbiases the second conduit (63) and correspondingly the second sealassembly (75) toward the engagement surface (76) and correspondingly,toward the second valve closed position (69) to provide the secondpassageway closed condition (67).

As to particular embodiments, the second valve-biasing member (68) canbe configured as a resiliently compressible member (16), such as aspring and for example, a coil spring or a helical spring (51). As toparticular embodiments, the helical spring (51) can be disposed about aportion of the second conduit (63) to entirely surround that portion ofthe second conduit (63) such that the helical spring (51) and the secondconduit (63) are coaxial. Thus, the helical spring (51) and the secondconduit (63) can be disposed in concentric relation.

To reiterate, in contrast to conventional “quick release” couplers, theinstant helical spring (51) is disposed external to or outside of thesecond passageway (6) and accordingly, external to or outside of thefluid flow path (8) when the female and male couplers (3)(5) connect toachieve the connected condition (7) of the connector system (1).Correspondingly, fluid flowing within the fluid flow path (8) does notcontact the helical spring (51), which may be advantageous for aplurality of reasons, including elimination of a potential substrate forbiofilm growth within the fluid flow path (8) and elimination of aphysical impediment to fluid flow within the fluid flow path (8).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, and FIG. 4G, the helicalspring (51) can be disposed between a pair of projecting ribs (52)(53).For example, a helical spring first end (54) can bear against a firstrib (52) and an opposing helical spring second end (55) can bear againsta second rib (53) outwardly extending from the second conduit outersurface (73).

When in a non-compressed condition (17), which is the normal biasedcondition, the helical spring (51) can bias the second conduit (63) andcorrespondingly the second seal assembly (75) toward the engagementsurface (76) and correspondingly, toward the second valve closedposition (69), thereby sealably occluding the second port (66) andproviding the second passageway closed condition (67).

Upon forcible urging in a second direction (57) which opposes the firstdirection (47), the helical spring (51) can be compressed toward acompressed condition (18), allowing the second conduit (63) to travelwithin the second valve seat (65) to dispose the second seal assembly(75) away from the engagement surface (76) and away from the second port(66) toward a second valve open position (70), thus providing a secondpassageway open condition (71) permitting fluid flow through the secondport (66) and accordingly, through the second passageway (6) (as shownin the example of FIG. 2G).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2G, the helical spring (51) can becompressed toward the compressed condition (18) upon forcible urgingresulting from connection of the female and male couplers (3)(5), thusallowing the second conduit (63) to travel within the second valve seat(65) to dispose the second seal assembly (75) away from the engagementsurface (76) and away from the second port (66) toward a second valveopen position (70), thus providing a second passageway open condition(71) permitting fluid flow through the second port (66) and accordingly,through the second passageway (6). Further, upon achievement of theconnected condition (7) of the connector system (1), the firstpassageway (4) of the female coupler (3) can fluidicly communicate withthe second passageway (6) to provide the fluid flow path (8) throughwhich fluid can flow between the connector system first and second ends(41)(42).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5G, FIG. 5H, FIG. 7G, and FIG. 13Athrough FIG. 14G, as another illustrative example, the secondvalve-biasing member (68) can be configured as a resiliently flexiblemember (58); however, the second valve-biasing member (68) need not belimited to this particular configuration.

When in a non-flexed condition (59) (as shown in the examples of FIG.13A through FIG. 13G), the resiliently flexible member (58) can bias thesecond valve (64) toward the second valve closed position (69) in whichthe second valve (64) sealably occludes the second port (66) (as shownin the example of FIG. 5H and FIG. 7G).

Upon forcible urging, the resiliently flexible member (58) can be flexedtoward a flexed condition (60) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 14Athrough FIG. 14G), allowing the second valve (64) to travel within thesecond valve seat (65) toward the second valve open position (70) awayfrom the second port (66), thereby permitting fluid flow through thesecond port (66) and accordingly, through the second passageway (6) toprovide the second passageway open condition (71) (as shown in theexample of FIG. 5G).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5G, the resiliently flexible member (58)can be flexed toward the flexed condition (60) upon forcible urgingresulting from connection of the female and male couplers (3)(5), thusallowing the second valve (64) to travel within the second valve seat(65) toward the second valve open position (70) away from the secondport (66), thereby permitting fluid flow through the second port (66)and accordingly, through the second passageway (6) to provide the secondpassageway open condition (71). Further, upon achievement of theconnected condition (7) of the connector system (1), the firstpassageway (4) of the female coupler (3) can fluidicly communicate withthe second passageway (6) to provide the fluid flow path (8) throughwhich fluid can flow between the connector system first and second ends(41)(42).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 13A through FIG. 14G, as to particularembodiments, the resiliently flexible member (58) can be configured as aplurality of resiliently flexible members (58) which dispose incircumferentially spaced-apart relation to define an internal space(61). Additionally, an angled surface (62) can be disposed inaxially-adjacent relation to the plurality of resiliently flexiblemembers (58).

Upon forcible urging resulting from connection of the female and malecouplers (3)(5), the plurality of resiliently flexible members (58) moveaxially toward the angled surface (62), whereby the angled surface (62)can be received within the internal space (61) while forcibly urging theplurality of resiliently flexible members (58) to flex about the angledsurface (62) toward the flexed condition (60) (as shown in the examplesof FIG. 14A through FIG. 14G). Correspondingly, the second valve (64)travels within the second valve seat (65) toward the second valve openposition (70) away from the second port (66), thereby permitting fluidflow through the second port (66) and accordingly, through the secondpassageway (6) to provide the second passageway open condition (71).

Upon uncoupling of the female and male couplers (3)(5), the plurality ofresiliently flexible members (58) are biased toward the non-flexedcondition (59) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 13A through FIG. 13G),biasing the second valve (64) toward the second valve closed position(69) in which the second valve (64) sealably occludes the second port(66).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 13A through FIG. 14G, as to particularembodiments, the resiliently flexible member (58) and the second valve(64) can be formed as a one-piece construct; however, the invention neednot be so limited.

Tubing

Now referring primarily to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, as to particularembodiments, the connector system (1), as described above, can furtherinclude at least one tube (2) coupled to a connector system end(41)(42), for example the connector system first end (41), which can beconfigured as a barb (77). Accordingly, the tube (2) can engage with thebarb (77), for example via frictional engagement about the barb (77), tosecurely couple the tube (2) to the connector system (1).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, as to particularembodiments, the tube (2) can be configured as extension tubing (78),for example flexible extension tubing (78) such as a J-loop (79), havingopposing J-loop first and second ends (80)(81), whereby the J-loop firstend (81) can engage with the barb (77) outwardly extending from theconnector system first end (41) to securely couple the J-loop (79) tothe connector system (1), and the J-loop second end (81) can beconfigured to couple to an intravenous (IV) catheter, for example via anIV catheter connector (82) such as a luer lock fitting (83).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, as to particularembodiments, the connector system second end (42) can also be configuredas a luer lock fitting (83), which may be useful for connecting theconnector system (1), J-loop (79), and IV catheter to a reservoir,whereby as but one illustrative example, the reservoir may containfluids for intravenous delivery.

As to particular embodiments, the J-loop (79) can be configured toautomatically disengage from the connector assembly (1) when a loadforce exceeds a predetermined threshold for safety.

A method of making a particular embodiment of a connector system (1) forreleasably connecting tubes (2) can include providing a female coupler(3) having a first passageway (4), providing a male coupler (5) having asecond passageway (6), movably coupling a catch (9) to the femalecoupler (3), coupling a catch-receiving element (10) to the male coupler(5), and movably coupling a release element (11) to the female coupler(3); wherein travel of the release element (11) along a female couplerouter surface (12) of the female coupler (3) disengages the catch (9)from the catch-receiving element (10) to achieve a disconnectedcondition (13) of the connector system (1).

A method of making another embodiment of a connector system (1) forreleasably connecting tubes (2) can include providing a female coupler(3) comprising a first conduit (32) defining a first passageway (4), afirst valve (33) operable to interrupt fluid flow through the firstpassageway (4), and a first valve-biasing member (37) disposed outsideof the first passageway (4), whereby the first valve-biasing member (37)can be operable to bias the first valve (32) toward a first valve closedposition (3); and providing a male coupler (5) comprising a secondconduit (63) defining a second passageway (6).

The method of making the connector system (1) can further includeproviding additional components of the connector system (1) as describedabove and in the claims.

Components of the connector system (1) can be formed from one or more ofany of a numerous and wide variety of materials capable of providing afunctional connector system (1). By way of non-limiting example, thematerial can include or consist of: rubber, rubber-like material,plastic, plastic-like material, acrylic, polyamide, polyester,polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride-based materials,silicone-based materials, or the like, or combinations thereof.Additional non-limiting examples can include polymeric materials orresins, for example thermoplastics, such as acrylic, nylon,polybenzimidazole, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, or the like, or combinations thereof;thermosets, such as polyester fiberglass, polyurethanes, rubber,polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, urea-formaldehyde foam, melamineresin, epoxy resin, polyimides, cynate esters, polycyanurates, polyesterresin, or the like, or combinations thereof; elastomers, such as naturalpolyisoprene, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloropene rubber,butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylenepropylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, siliconerubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers,polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene-vinylacetate, thermal plastic elastomer (TPE), or the like, or combinationsthereof.

As to particular embodiments, one or more components of the connectorsystem (1) can be formed from an antibacterial material(s).

As to particular embodiments, one or more components of the connectorsystem (1) can be formed entirety from non-metallic material(s).

Additionally, components of the connector system (1) can be producedfrom any of a wide variety of processes depending upon the application,such as press molding, injection molding, fabrication, machining,printing, additive printing, or the like, or combinations thereof, asone piece or assembled from a plurality of pieces into a component ofthe connector system (1).

As to particular embodiments, one or more components of the connectorsystem (1) can be disposable or reusable, depending upon theapplication.

A method of using a particular embodiment of a connector system (1) forreleasably connecting tubes (2) can include obtaining the connectorsystem (1) comprising: a female coupler (3) having a first passageway(4), a male coupler (5) having a second passageway (6), a catch (9)movably coupled to the female coupler (3), a catch-receiving element(10) coupled to the male coupler (5), whereby upon releasable matableaxial coupling of the female and male couplers (3)(5), the catch (9)engages with the catch-receiving element (10) to fix an axial positionof the female coupler (3) in relation to the male coupler (5), therebyachieving a connected condition (7) of the connector system (1) in whichthe first and second passageways (4)(6) dispose in fluidic communicationto provide a fluid flow path (8), and a release element (11) movablycoupled to the female coupler (3), whereby travel of the release element(11) along a female coupler outer surface (12) of the female coupler (3)disengages the catch (9) from the catch-receiving element (10) toachieve a disconnected condition (13) of the connector system (1);coupling a first tube (2) to the female coupler (3); coupling a secondtube (2) to the male coupler (5); and releasably coupling the female andmale couplers (3)(5) to achieve the connected condition (7) of theconnector system (1).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include flowingfluid through the fluid flow path (8).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include forciblyurging the release element (11) to travel along the female coupler outersurface (12) to disengage the catch (9) from the catch-receiving element(10) to achieve the disconnected condition (13) of the connector system(1).

A method of using another particular embodiment of a connector system(1) for releasably connecting tubes (2) can include obtaining theconnector system (1) comprising a female coupler (3) including a firstconduit (32) defining a first passageway (4), a first valve (33)operable to interrupt fluid flow through the first passageway (4); and afirst valve-biasing member (37) disposed outside of the first passageway(4), whereby the first valve-biasing member (37) can be operable to biasthe first valve (33) toward a first valve closed position (38), and amale coupler (5) including a second conduit (63) defining a secondpassageway (6), whereby upon releasable matable axial coupling of thefemale and male couplers (3)(5), a connected condition (7) of theconnector system (1) can be achieved, and whereby in the connectedcondition (13), the first valve (33) is forcibly urged toward a firstvalve open position (39) to allow fluid to flow through the firstpassageway (4); coupling a first tube (2) to the female coupler (3);coupling a second tube (2) to the male coupler (5); and releasablycoupling the female and male couplers (3)(5) to achieve the connectedcondition of the connector system (1).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include flowingfluid through the first passageway (4).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a connector systemand methods for making and using such a connector system, including thebest mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “connector” shouldbe understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “connecting”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “connecting”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “connector” and even a “meansfor connecting”. Such alternative terms for each element or step are tobe understood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Further, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “coupled”or derivatives thereof can mean indirectly coupled, coupled, directlycoupled, connected, directly connected, or integrated with, dependingupon the embodiment.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the connector systems herein disclosed and described, ii) the relatedmethods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and evenimplicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides astatement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. Thissection may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain UnitedStates patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter ofthe claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, orconcerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawntoward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patentapplication, publication, statement or other information cited orincorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admittedas prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

1-141. (canceled)
 142. A method of making a connector system forreleasably connecting tubes, comprising: providing a female couplercomprising: a first conduit defining a first passageway; a first valveoperable to interrupt fluid flow through said first passageway; and afluid-tight seal between a first valve inner surface of said first valveand a first conduit outer surface of said first conduit; disposing afirst valve-biasing member outside of said first passageway, said firstvalve-biasing member operable to bias said first valve toward a firstvalve closed position; providing a male coupler comprising: a secondconduit defining a second passageway, said second conduit capable oflongitudinal travel within said male coupler; disposing a secondconduit-biasing member outside of said second passageway, said secondconduit-biasing member operable to bias said second conduit to provide asecond passageway closed condition; wherein upon releasable matableaxial coupling of said female and male couplers, a connected conditionof said connector system is achieved; and wherein in said connectedcondition, said first valve is forcibly urged toward a first valve openposition to allow fluid to flow through said first passageway and saidsecond conduit is forcibly urged to provide a second passageway opencondition to allow said fluid to flow through said second passageway;and wherein in said connected condition, said first passageway fluidiclycommunicates with said second passageway to provide a fluid flow paththrough which said fluid can flow between connector system first andsecond ends.
 143. The method of claim 142, wherein said first valvetelescopingly disposes about said first conduit.
 144. The method ofclaim 143, wherein said first valve is capable of longitudinal travelover said first conduit.
 145. The method of claim 144, wherein saidfirst valve inner surface disposes adjacent said first conduit outersurface.
 146. The method of claim 142, wherein a portion of said firstconduit outer surface provides a first valve seat in which said firstvalve is movable.
 147. The method of claim 146, further comprising afirst seal assembly fixedly coupled to said first conduit in axiallyspaced apart relation; wherein sealable engagement of said first valvewith said first seal assembly provides said first valve closed position.148. The method of claim 147, further comprising a second seal assemblyfixedly coupled to said second conduit in axially spaced apart relation;wherein sealable engagement of said second seal assembly with anengagement surface provided by said second valve seat inner surfaceprovides said second valve closed position.
 149. The method of claim148, wherein a second valve-biasing member biases said second sealassembly toward said engagement surface.
 150. The method of claim 149,wherein said second valve-biasing member comprises a resilientlycompressible member.
 151. The method of claim 150, wherein saidresiliently compressible member comprises a spring.
 152. The method ofclaim 142, wherein a second valve is provided by said second conduit.153. A method of making a connector system for releasably connectingtubes, comprising: providing a female coupler comprising: a firstconduit defining a first passageway; a first valve operable to interruptfluid flow through said first passageway; and a fluid-tight seal betweena first valve inner surface of said first valve and a first conduitouter surface of said first conduit; disposing a first valve-biasingmember outside of said first passageway, said first valve-biasing memberoperable to bias said first valve toward a first valve closed position;providing a male coupler comprising: a second conduit defining a secondpassageway; and a second valve operable to interrupt fluid flow throughsaid second passageway; wherein said second conduit and said secondvalve are formed as a one-piece construct; disposing a secondvalve-biasing member outside of said second passageway, said secondvalve-biasing member operable to bias said second valve toward a secondvalve closed position; wherein upon releasable matable axial coupling ofsaid female and male couplers, a connected condition of said connectorsystem is achieved; and wherein in said connected condition, said firstvalve is forcibly urged toward a first valve open position to allowfluid to flow through said first passageway and said second valve isforcibly urged toward a second valve open position to allow said fluidto flow through said second passageway; and wherein in said connectedcondition, said first passageway fluidicly communicates with said secondpassageway to provide a fluid flow path through which said fluid canflow between connector system first and second ends.
 154. A method ofmaking a connector system for releasably connecting tubes, comprising:providing a female coupler comprising: a first conduit defining a firstpassageway; a first valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through saidfirst passageway; and a fluid-tight seal between a first valve innersurface of said first valve and a first conduit outer surface of saidfirst conduit; disposing a first valve-biasing member outside of saidfirst passageway, said first valve-biasing member operable to bias saidfirst valve toward a first valve closed position; providing a malecoupler comprising: a second conduit defining a second passageway; and asecond valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through said secondpassageway; wherein said second valve is fixedly coupled to said secondconduit; disposing a second valve-biasing member outside of said secondpassageway, said second valve-biasing member operable to bias saidsecond valve toward a second valve closed position; wherein uponreleasable matable axial coupling of said female and male couplers, aconnected condition of said connector system is achieved; and wherein insaid connected condition, said first valve is forcibly urged toward afirst valve open position to allow fluid to flow through said firstpassageway and said second valve is forcibly urged toward a second valveopen position to allow said fluid to flow through said secondpassageway; and wherein in said connected condition, said firstpassageway fluidicly communicates with said second passageway to providea fluid flow path through which said fluid can flow between connectorsystem first and second ends.
 155. The method of claim 154, wherein aportion of said first conduit outer surface provides a first valve seatin which said first valve is movable.
 156. A method of making aconnector system for releasably connecting tubes, comprising: providinga female coupler comprising: a first conduit defining a firstpassageway; a first valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through saidfirst passageway; and a fluid-tight seal between a first valve innersurface of said first valve and a first conduit outer surface of saidfirst conduit; disposing a first valve-biasing member outside of saidfirst passageway, said first valve-biasing member operable to bias saidfirst valve toward a first valve closed position; providing a malecoupler comprising: a second conduit defining a second passageway;disposing a second conduit-biasing member (i) about said second conduitand (ii) outside of said second passageway, said second conduit-biasingmember operable to bias said second conduit to provide a secondpassageway closed condition; wherein upon releasable matable axialcoupling of said female and male couplers, a connected condition of saidconnector system is achieved; and wherein in said connected condition,said first valve is forcibly urged toward a first valve open position toallow fluid to flow through said first passageway and said secondconduit is forcibly urged to provide a second passageway open conditionto allow said fluid to flow through said second passageway; and whereinin said connected condition, said first passageway fluidiclycommunicates with said second passageway to provide a fluid flow paththrough which said fluid can flow between connector system first andsecond ends.
 157. The method of claim 156, wherein said firstvalve-biasing member biases said first valve toward a first sealassembly.
 158. The method of claim 157, wherein said first valve-biasingmember comprises a resiliently compressible member.
 159. The method ofclaim 158, wherein said resiliently compressible member comprises aspring.
 160. The method of claim 159, wherein said second valve-biasingmember disposes radially outwardly from said second valve.